Ridiculous decision

The Christian Chronicle announces that the latest edition of Churches of Christ in the United States will no longer list Richland Hills in Fort Worth because they have instrumental music on Sunday. It seems that the editors( of the volume) think (although they deny it) that instrumental music defines the Church of Christ. They have long ago purged Oak Hills (Max Lucado) and Farmers' Branch in Dallas.

Richland has one a cappella service on Sunday morning with a huge attendance--but this doesn't count--the church has to be totally a cappella--How ridiculous. Seeing as how there is very little evidence in the New Testament that a capella is the desired mode of worship, they are straining gnats and swallowing camels. I am sure the list does include churches that are absolutely insular and dead with no outreach and no growth--but these folks
can be found by travelers traveling through their area (that is one of the aims of the book).

A cappella is my preferred mode of worship, although I have enjoyed worshipping with instruments often. (Worshipping with instruments is another "hinky" statement--as if instruments determine the love and regard that pours out of one's mouth in worship).

Wouldn't it be nice if Churches of Christ were known for their outreach to the poor, their contributions to peace and justice in the world, their absolute integrity--I know some who are and praise God for them.

Oh by the way, the volume also shows how Churches of Christ have joined other contemporary churches in decline losing 526 churches and 78,436 members over the past six years. Wonder why?

Will the Silliness Never Cease?

According to the Tennessean today, 5 teachers at a Church of Christ affiliated school (Columbia Academy in Maury County) were told to switch churches or leave the school. Seems their church (not named--but probably a Church of Christ) used musical instruments during a Good Friday service. One teacher said she would retire; two others accepted a compromise--they had to agree not to attend the two or three services a year where musical instruments are played. The other two are leaving for other jobs.

Wonderful publicity for the school and the Church of Christ, isn't it? I know Columbia is a private school, but it seems to me what they are requiring is a blatant violation of civil rights--not to even mention the old tradition in the C of Ch. that all churches are atonomous and can set their own agenda. The school has succeeded in proving all the old statements about the C of Ch--we are a bunch of wierdos who believe we have the last word on truth, and everyone else can go to hell. Have a new thought? Believe in civil rights or even social justice? Prepared to fight to the death for every jot and tittle we have added to the gospel over the last 200 years? No, No and Yes.

Those who read this little squib this morning are probably laughing up their sleeves at those
poor little people who cannot see beyond their blind beliefs and adherance to mistaken traditions.

(So glad I am not one of them--God have mercy on me, a sinner.)